Energy Efficient Propulsion Systems Assessment Event (AE)

Background

HSWERX, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Technology Transfer & Commercialization Branch (T2C), will host an Assessment Event (AE). The purpose of the AE is to identify solutions for an alternative energy source for maritime vessels for DHS mariners and customers.

Objective

The Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) Program is interested in identifying current and emerging alternative energy (AE) high-reliability propulsion systems to enable DHS components to enforce maritime border security while transitioning to low and zero-emission vessels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The transition from fossil fuel-based propulsion systems to AE solutions will align DHS with executive orders and directives across the U.S. government to reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy sources while maintaining mission capabilities to enforce international trade law, safeguard the maritime transportation system, maintain U.S. waterways and maritime resources, and interdict illegal activities in the maritime environment, such as smuggling and human trafficking.  

Why You Should Participate

DHS seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by DHS Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). As such, the AE is considered competitive, and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit.  

Event Timeline

‍October 10, 2023 to November 13, 2023 Submissions to the Assessment Event Open

‍Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of DHS are encouraged to submit their capability for DHS review. To submit your technology for potential Phase 5 attendance (see below), please review the assessment criteria and follow the submission instructions that will be near the bottom of this webpage.

October 24, 2023 Q&A Session‍

Interested offerors may participate in a virtual Q&A session to better understand DHS’s specific technology objectives. The session took place on October 24. See below for Q&A session transcript. ‍

November 13, 2023 to November 27, 2023 Downselect

DHS SMEs will downselect those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE on/around November 28, 2023.

December 12, 2023 to December 14, 2023 Assessment Event (AE)

‍During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the DHS evaluation panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion and discussions may continue outside of the event. Guidelines for solution briefing presentations will be outlined in the event invitation and solutions will be assessed according to the criteria in the link provided below. If the DHS evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution briefing, negotiations for Phase 6 may begin immediately.

This event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Path Forward

‍Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories:

• Business to business research and development agreement as a sub-award through the HSWERX Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) under 15 U.S.C. 3715
• OTA for research or prototype projects  
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S.C. 3710a)
• Prizes competitions (15 U.S.C. 3719)
• FAR-based procurement contract  

NOTE:  Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Non-Federal Systems and Organizations.  

How You Can Participate

Government, Industry, Academia, National Labs, and Non-Traditional Attendees:

1. Review the Q&A Session Transcript: Click Here to Review

2. Review Assessment Criteria: Click Here to Review

3. Complete the Submission Form: Submissions Closed November 13

Questions? For event-related questions, please contact Kinsey Crim: kcrim@hswerx.org

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